I’ve made an important rediscovery. People’s faces are beautiful. They come in all configurations and sizes. The distinctive and expressive wrinkles that cross their cheeks and surround their eyes sketch the personal stories that have made their lives unique. …
I deserve a dog biscuit. It’s been months since I’ve featured one of my shepherds in a blog post. Now I can’t help myself. Of our four white Swiss shepherds, Sammy Watt What is our comedian. Although all four were sired by the same father, Sammy is special. A few …
When I wake up in my 70s and think about this day and the next day and the next day, it’s so easy to put my life in cruise control. I’m not going to let it happen. I’m better than that. I have more to offer. Screw all those people who want to put me …
I’ve thought a lot about dying. Not in a sad kind of way. Certainly not in that “how long can I last” mindset. My imagination goes to how beauteous it’s going to be. I can just see it. I’m sitting there with two of my best friends in an ice cream shop next …
I may have a problem. Maybe not. Over the last few years, I’ve determined I prefer to stay in Carson City, Washoe Valley and Genoa, Nevada. I have no inclination to go beyond these borders. My friends jet off to Egypt and send me pictures with them on camels. My daughter’s …
I talked to a mentor of mine last night. I told him I was in a bit of a funk. Nothing serious or complex, just this little gray cloud hanging over me. The first thing Master Mentor asks is, “Are you attempting to help someone through a little issue he or she might be dealing …
I’m 100 days out from my major back surgery. I continue to participate in post-op meetings with the surgeon and her team. They tell me what I can’t do. They continue to tell me to wear this terrible back brace. They have an acronym, BLT (as in one of my favorite sandwiches), …
Boy, if I had known this 30 years ago, my life would have been prettier. Here is my message to me: I don’t need to win the fight. I don’t need to be victorious in the argument. I don’t even need to get my own fair share. If I lose the contest, it’s okay. If someone …
How can I look at my darn wrinkled face for more than a quick, passing glance? About once a week, I have a moment while I’m shaving or attempting to take wax out of my left ear or picking aged beef out of my lower right molar when I just stop and stare at me …
Don: “What role does fear play in your thoughts about dying?” Ben: “I’d like to say not at all, but I don’t want to lie, particularly being so close to the end. I don’t think it’s the actual dying that scares me – it’s the fear of the unknown. Give me a video …
